The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the HTC A102 and the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, a significant disparity in their core processing power dictates which device is better suited for users prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking versus basic connectivity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the HTC A102 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a substantially more powerful and efficient experience than the Alcatel 1L Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A. While the Alcatel may offer slightly better battery life due to the less demanding processor, the A102’s performance advantage is more impactful for daily use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 13 | 2021, June 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2021, Q2 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 257.9 x 162.5 x 7.9 mm (10.15 x 6.40 x 0.31 in) | 156.4 x 74.8 x 9.7 mm (6.16 x 2.94 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 533 g (1.18 lb) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 8000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Power Grey, Twilight Blue |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 110 EUR |
HTC A102
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for better thermal management
- 18W fast charging support
- Potentially better image processing
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than the Alcatel
- Limited detailed specifications available
alcatel 1L Pro (2021)
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower power consumption
- Very affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Suitable for basic communication needs
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking
- Less efficient chipset leads to potential overheating
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Lower overall responsiveness
Display Comparison
Neither HTC nor Alcatel provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price points, it’s safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. However, the lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of brightness, color accuracy, or viewing angles. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. The absence of high refresh rate technology is also expected.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices. However, given the market segment, expectations should be tempered. Both likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The A102’s chipset likely offers slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and software processing are far more important. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain on both models.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HTC A102’s Mediatek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architecture provides a significant performance boost over the Alcatel 1L Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A. The Unisoc chip, fabricated on a less efficient 28nm process, utilizes four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. The A75 cores in the Helio G85 offer substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. This translates to a smoother experience for gaming and multitasking on the A102.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for either device. However, the Unisoc SC9863A’s lower power consumption suggests the Alcatel 1L Pro might offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge. The HTC A102’s 18W wired charging is a notable advantage, allowing for faster replenishment compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the Alcatel. The efficiency gains of the Helio G85 will also contribute to reasonable battery performance, even if the capacity is similar.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC A102 if you need a smartphone capable of handling moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and a smoother overall user experience. It’s ideal for users who want a phone that feels responsive and doesn’t struggle with common tasks. Buy the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light web browsing – and you prioritize maximizing battery life over performance. It’s a suitable choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HTC A102 be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the HTC A102 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The Alcatel 1L Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for WhatsApp, calls, and Facebook?
Yes, the Alcatel 1L Pro (2021) is well-suited for basic communication and social media use. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset is sufficient for these tasks, and its potentially longer battery life will be beneficial for users who don’t demand high performance.
❓ How much faster is the HTC A102 in real-world use compared to the Alcatel 1L Pro?
The HTC A102 will feel noticeably faster in almost every aspect. App launch times will be quicker, multitasking will be smoother, and web browsing will be more responsive. The difference is particularly pronounced when switching between apps or performing more demanding tasks.
